Strengthening Voices: Organising and collective bargaining in Africa
The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), represented by Crecentia Mofokeng, the global union’s Africa and Middle East Regional Representative, shared various efforts on how to revitalise trade unionism in Africa and asserted the importance of the gathering. “The Forum has provided us with a renewed sense of purpose and a roadmap for the future. By embracing innovative strategies and fostering unity, I believe we can build stronger unions that empower workers and defend their rights in the face of emerging challenges,” she said.
During the event, delegates discussed the state of trade union organising, the decline in trade union density, and the evolving effectiveness of collective bargaining. These shifts have been heavily influenced by the rise of the informal sector, widespread casualisation, short-term contract work—often marked by exploitation—restrictive labour laws, and other political and socio-economic factors. Despite the trend of declining trade union membership in developing economies, the Forum highlighted successful, innovative strategies to revitalise organising efforts, such as community-based organising, digital organising, and strategic partnerships.
The Forum served as a platform for unifying voices, prioritising the need to strengthen organising efforts and reimagine collective bargaining to be inclusive of all workers, regardless of their occupation.
It also extended its solidarity to the Rwanda Workers' Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR), which held its 10th Ordinary Congress on 4–5 October 2024 under the theme "Just Transitions Towards Decent Job Creation: Embracing Technology and Workplace Safety for an Empowered Workforce." The Congress saw the election of new leadership and the adoption of a seven-year strategic plan. BWI congratulates CESTRAR on this significant achievement.